How do you not qualify for unemployment benefits in NY - confused about disqualification reasons
My claim got denied and I'm trying to understand why someone wouldn't qualify for unemployment in NY. The letter from NYS Department of Labor wasn't super clear about the specific reasons. I worked for 8 months at my last job before getting laid off due to company downsizing. I thought that would automatically make me eligible but apparently not? Can someone explain the main reasons people get disqualified? I want to know if I should appeal or if there's something I'm missing about the requirements.
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Logan Scott
There are several common disqualification reasons in NY. First, you need sufficient work history - usually earning at least $2,600 in your base period and working in at least two quarters. Second, if you were fired for misconduct or quit without good cause, that's an automatic disqualification. Third, you have to be able and available for work, actively seeking employment. Did your denial letter mention which category your disqualification falls under?
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Mila Walker
•The letter mentioned something about 'insufficient wage credits' but I definitely worked more than 6 months. Maybe I need to look at my base period dates more carefully?
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Chloe Green
ugh the wage credit thing got me too when i first applied. they dont count all your recent work - theres this weird base period thing where they look at like 5 quarters ago not your most recent job sometimes
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Logan Scott
•Exactly right - the base period is usually the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file. So if you file in January 2025, they're looking at October 2023 through September 2024, not your most recent work.
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Lucas Adams
I had a similar wage credit issue last year. What worked for me was using claimyr.com to actually get through to a real NYS Department of Labor agent who could explain my specific situation. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. The agent was able to tell me I could request an alternate base period which included more recent wages.
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Mila Walker
•Never heard of that service before. Is it legit? I've been trying to call NYS Department of Labor for weeks with no luck.
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Lucas Adams
•Yeah it's real - basically gets you past the busy signals and connects you to an actual person. Way better than spending hours on hold or getting hung up on.
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Harper Hill
Other reasons include if you're not authorized to work in the US, receiving other benefits like workers comp, or if you refuse suitable work offers. Also some people don't realize you can't collect if you're going to school full time unless it's approved training.
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Caden Nguyen
wait so if I'm taking night classes that could affect my unemployment? I've been filing weekly claims with no issues for 2 months
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Harper Hill
•Night classes are usually fine as long as they don't interfere with your ability to work during normal business hours. Full-time day programs are the ones that typically cause problems.
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Avery Flores
THE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO DENY PEOPLE!! I worked for 15 years and got denied because of some technicality about my last day of work vs when I filed. They make it impossible on purpose to save money.
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Zoe Gonzalez
•I feel you on the frustration but there are legitimate appeal processes if you think you were wrongly denied.
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Chloe Green
definitely appeal if you think its wrong. i appealed my denial and won after providing more documentation about my work history. took like 6 weeks but got backpay for everything
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